LinkedIn has become a hotspot for video content, yet creating a compelling video for LinkedIn requires a different approach than other social media platforms. LinkedIn audiences are there to learn, connect, and engage professionally, so each video should offer something valuable and relevant to their career or industry interests. In this blog, we’ll uncover the key elements that make LinkedIn videos shine—helping you stand out, make an impact, and build your network.
1. Define Your Objective: Start with a Purpose
Unlike other platforms where entertainment might be a primary goal, LinkedIn videos are most successful when they have a clear, purposeful message. Before hitting record, decide on your video’s objective. Are you sharing insights on a recent industry trend? Offering a quick tutorial? Or maybe sparking a conversation with a thought-provoking question?
- Educational Videos: Share knowledge that’s relevant to your field—“Top Digital Marketing Trends of 2024.”
- Inspirational Stories: Offer personal stories that add value or provide insight—“What I Learned from My First Year as a Manager.”
- Industry Commentary: Give your opinion on recent industry developments—“How AI is Changing Healthcare.”
A well-defined purpose will help you keep your content focused, ensuring it resonates with the professional audience on LinkedIn.
2. Capture Attention in the First 5 Seconds
In a fast-moving feed, first impressions matter. Hooking viewers right away is essential to keep them watching. Start with something that grabs attention—an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement related to your topic. For instance:
- Ask a Question: “Did you know 80% of job seekers use LinkedIn for career growth?”
- Share a Statistic: “Remote jobs get 3x more applicants—here’s why that’s good news for hiring managers.”
- Tell a Story: “The moment I realized my biggest career mistake turned out to be my best opportunity…”
By offering something intriguing up front, you’ll make it more likely that viewers stay with you until the end.
3. Keep It Short and Concise
While some LinkedIn users may enjoy longer-form content, the ideal length for a LinkedIn video is usually 1-2 minutes. Aim to provide value quickly and directly, covering key points in a straightforward manner. Here are a few tips to keep things concise:
- Focus on One Key Message: Don’t try to cover too much in one video. Stick to one main topic or takeaway.
- Outline Before You Record: Jot down your main points and practice summarizing them briefly.
- Use Visual Aids Sparingly: Simple graphics, text overlays, or icons can reinforce your message without overloading viewers.
The goal is to respect your audience’s time while delivering insights that make a memorable impact.
4. Show Authenticity: Be Yourself to Build Trust
LinkedIn’s audience values authenticity—videos that feel genuine and unscripted often perform better than overly polished content. Embrace your own personality, let your passion for the topic show, and connect with viewers naturally.
- Use Real Experiences: Share personal lessons or challenges you’ve overcome.
- Don’t Over-Script: While planning is essential, avoid reading directly from a script, which can sound robotic.
- Speak Directly to the Camera: This creates a sense of direct connection, making viewers feel like you’re speaking to them personally.
Being authentic and relatable can build trust, making viewers more likely to engage with you and share your video.
5. Add Value with a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Every great LinkedIn video should leave viewers with a clear action to take. Your CTA can drive engagement, prompt conversation, and help foster connections. Depending on your video’s purpose, here are some CTA ideas:
- Ask for Opinions: “What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.”
- Invite to Connect: “Let’s connect if you’re interested in digital marketing insights!”
- Direct to a Resource: “If you want to learn more, check out my full guide on this topic.”
CTAs that encourage interaction or connection are particularly powerful on LinkedIn, where networking is a primary goal.
6. Optimize for LinkedIn’s Platform: Technical Tips for Success
While content is king, technical optimization helps ensure your video is accessible and engaging. Follow these best practices:
- Use Captions: Many LinkedIn users browse with the sound off, so captions ensure they can still follow along.
- Keep It Vertical-Friendly: Design videos for mobile viewing, as many LinkedIn users browse on their phones.
- Choose an Eye-Catching Thumbnail: Use a high-quality thumbnail that represents your video’s message and catches the eye in the feed.
These small adjustments make a big difference in accessibility and visibility, helping your video reach a wider audience.
Conclusion: Start Creating Impactful LinkedIn Videos
A great LinkedIn video isn’t about perfection—it’s about delivering valuable, relevant insights that connect with your audience. Whether you’re sharing tips, insights, or stories, the most important thing is to keep it real, keep it focused, and keep it professional. Start with these strategies to create LinkedIn videos that engage, inform, and open doors to new opportunities on the platform. So, go ahead—hit record and let your LinkedIn community see the value you bring.
